How long is the waitlist for Section 8?

Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.

211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.

Can single dads get TANF?

Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.

Housing & Financial in Indiana

15 verified resources.

About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

15 Resources

1. Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) — Free

State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for Indiana residents. Dads can find approved lenders, housing counselors, and program details online or by calling the Indianapolis office. Bring a photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of residency when applying for programs. Many products have income limits; check eligibility before applying.

317-232-7777 · 30 S Meridian St, Suite 900, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI) — Free

Indianapolis community action agency providing emergency rental assistance, utility help, weatherization, and financial stability programs for low-income Marion County residents. Dads can call or visit the north-side office to apply. Bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (pay stubs or benefits letters), a current lease or eviction notice, and utility bills to intake. Programs have income limits.

317-396-1800 · 3266 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Community Action of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne) — Free

Community action agency serving northeast Indiana with emergency assistance, rental help, weatherization, and financial coaching for low-income residents in Allen and surrounding counties. Dads can call or visit the downtown Fort Wayne office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease or eviction notice, and utility bills to intake. Programs have income limits.

260-423-3546 · 227 E Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

4. Lake County Community Action Agency (Gary) — Free

Serves northwest Indiana with emergency assistance, housing stabilization, utility help, and self-sufficiency programs for low-income residents in Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, and surrounding Lake County communities. Dads can call or visit the Gary office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease or eviction notice, and utility bills to intake. Programs have income limits.

219-882-2326 · 6330 W 25th Ave, Gary, IN 46406 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

5. South Central Community Action Program (Bloomington) — Free

Community action agency serving south-central Indiana with emergency rental assistance, utility help, and family support services for low-income residents in Monroe and surrounding counties. Dads can call or visit the Bloomington office to apply. Bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease or eviction notice, and utility bills to intake. Programs have income limits.

812-339-3447 · 1500 W 15th St, Bloomington, IN 47404 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. HUD Indiana Field Office — Free

Federal housing office overseeing public housing, Section 8, Fair Housing, and HUD-approved Housing Counseling in Indiana. Call 800-569-4287 to find a nearby HUD-certified housing counselor for free foreclosure, rental, or homebuyer help. Dads can also file fair housing complaints with HUD if they believe they've been discriminated against in housing. Services and counseling referrals are free and available to any Indiana resident.

317-226-6303 · 575 N Pennsylvania St, Suite 655, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis — Paid

Builds affordable homes with qualifying Indianapolis families who meet income, need, and willingness-to-partner criteria. Homeownership program requires sweat equity and completion of financial education. Dads can apply when applications open (check the website for current cycles). Bring photo ID, tax returns, pay stubs, credit history, and proof of residency to application appointments. Mortgages are sold to families at no profit.

317-777-3700 · 3135 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne — Paid

Builds affordable homes with qualifying Fort Wayne families through its affiliate, with homeownership and home repair programs available to income-eligible applicants in Allen and surrounding counties. Dads can apply when applications open (check the website). Bring a photo ID, tax returns, pay stubs, credit history, and proof of residency to application appointments. Sweat equity and financial education are required.

260-422-4828 · 2120 Goshen Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Indiana Assets & Opportunity Network — Free

Statewide network promoting financial stability for low-income Hoosiers through matched savings accounts (IDAs), financial coaching, and asset-building programs delivered through partner agencies. Dads interested in saving for a home, education, or small business can contact the network to find the nearest IDA program. Bring a photo ID, recent pay stubs, and tax returns when enrolling. Programs have income and asset limits.

317-454-8535 · Indianapolis, IN · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

10. Wheeler Mission (Indianapolis) — Free

Indianapolis homeless shelter providing emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery, job training, and transitional housing for men and families. Dads experiencing homelessness can walk in for intake or call the mission for current capacity. Bring a photo ID if you have one, any medications, and warm clothing. Most programs are free; faith-based content is part of the recovery program but shelter access does not require participation.

317-635-3575 · 205 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · 24/7 · Visit Website

11. Evansville Rescue Mission — Free

Provides emergency shelter, meals, and rehabilitation programs for homeless individuals and families in southwestern Indiana. Dads experiencing homelessness can walk in for intake or call for current capacity. Bring a photo ID if you have one, any medications, and warm clothing. Most programs are free; faith-based content is part of the recovery track but basic shelter access does not require participation in religious programming.

812-421-3800 · 500 E Walnut St, Evansville, IN 47713 · 24/7

12. Center Township Trustee (Indianapolis) — Free

Provides emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food, and medical needs for residents of Center Township (downtown Indianapolis and surrounding neighborhoods). Dads can walk in or call to schedule an intake appointment. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income or no income, a current lease or utility bill, and a copy of any eviction or shut-off notice. Assistance levels vary by need.

317-633-3610 · 863 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Brightpoint (Fort Wayne) — Free

Community action agency serving northeast Indiana with housing assistance, Head Start, energy assistance (LIHEAP), and financial empowerment programs for low-income residents in Allen and surrounding counties. Dads can call or visit the downtown Fort Wayne office to apply. Bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shut-off notices to intake.

260-423-3546 · 227 E Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. United Way of Central Indiana - 2-1-1 — Free

Connects Indianapolis-area residents with emergency housing, rent assistance, utility help, and financial counseling through the 2-1-1 helpline. Dads can dial 211 from any Indiana phone 24/7 to speak with a trained specialist who searches a live database of local assistance programs and makes warm referrals. Free and confidential. Have a ZIP code and a brief description of the need ready when you call.

211 · 3901 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Indiana Township Trustees - Emergency Assistance — Free

Indiana's 1,008 township trustees provide emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food, and medical needs as the local safety net for each township. Dads should contact the trustee for the township where they live (not where they work). Bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shut-off notices to intake. Assistance is discretionary and varies by township.

Contact your local township trustee · Varies by township

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?: Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?: 211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?: Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.